90 Years of Tradition

A 90-year-old tradition continues at Seattle Pacific University on Friday, June 7, at 9:30 a.m. as hundreds of graduating seniors take part in the annual Ivy Cutting ceremony held in Tiffany Loop.

Begun as an "Ivy Planting" ceremony in 1922, this long-honored tradition involves students, families, faculty, and staff. Hundreds of graduating seniors and SPU faculty dressed in full regalia circle around a rope of ivy in SPU's Tiffany Loop. After a brief ceremony, each graduate receives a sprig of ivy, signifying both the student’s tie to SPU and the independence that comes with graduation. Light refreshments follow for graduates, parents, and faculty in Tiffany Loop.

Commencement exercises will be held Sunday, June 9, beginning at 2 p.m. at Key Arena. More than 1,200 students will graduate from SPU this spring.